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Polarization of Light
AP Physics 2 · Unit 14 Waves & Optics
Learning Objectives
Malus's Law: I = I₀ cos²θ
Unpolarized → polarized light through filter
Two-filter intensity calculation
Crossed polarizers block all light
Malus's Law
I = I₀ cos²θ
θ = angle between polarizer axes
After 1st filter: I₁ = I₀/2
After 2nd: I₂ = I₁ cos²θ
Tags
polarization
Malus law
optics
AP Physics 2
Polarizer 1 angle (°)
0
Polarizer 2 angle (°)
45
I₀ (W/m²)
100
Intensities
I₀ (unpol)
100
After P1
50
After P2
25
% Transmitted
25%